Technology Leadership Council

Avril was appointed Managing Director of Technology Connected, formerly the ESTnet, in May 2012.

Her background is in the semiconductor industry, and she was awarded the MBE for services to the technology industry in Wales in 2018. Avril is an influential and energetic leader with highly developed communication and interpersonal skills and thrives as a catalyst for change.

Ben Allwright is the Founder and CEO of Ogi, a Welsh internet company. He joined in 2020, securing investment to bring full fibre services to Wales. With 30 years in telecom, multimedia, and IT, Ben was previously VP of Global Network Services at Teleste Corporation and led its subsidiary, Flomatik Network Services. He focuses on offering top alternative network options for Welsh homes and businesses.

Experienced and influential CIO, working on a global stage across a portfolio of major companies and spanning private and public sector, with strong retail and customer experience. Currently CTO leading digital strategy development and transformation programmes within major public sector government organisations.

Chris’ career in electronics and semiconductors started at British Telecom Research Laboratories before joining a new joint venture between BT and US based DuPont in 1986.

Chris was part of the founding team at Epitaxial Products International Ltd (EPI) in Cardiff in 1988 which became IQE plc in 1999 following a successful IPO.

With a background in science and engineering, Chris also holds an MBA and has held several senior management positions within the semiconductor industry, in particular with the IQE Group before establishing CSconnected, representing the world’s first compound semiconductor cluster that is rapidly evolving across South Wales and the West of England.

Christian is the Managing Director and co-founder of Method4 Ltd, a software house and technology consultancy in Cardiff, established in 2005. Method4 provides bespoke software and integration services. Previously, Christian was a principal consultant at Atkins (Management Consultants), working with clients like GlaxoSmithKline, Camelot, the Food Standards Agency, Welsh Government, and the WDA. Earlier, he was a Systems Analyst at Endsleigh Insurance. Christian holds a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems from the University of Liverpool and is a Chartered IT Professional (CITP) and Chartered Engineer (CEng) through the British Computer Society.

Dai is a multi-award-winning video game and interactive film designer, producer, director, and entrepreneur. Starting his career in 1995 at Eidos Interactive in London, he has worked on over 50 published titles for platforms including PlayStation, Nintendo, and Xbox. He co-founded Wales Interactive, known for the global hits “Sker Ritual” and “Maid of Sker,” based on Welsh folklore. David is a pioneer in the interactive movie genre, producing 12 films with over 100 million views worldwide. He has won three BAFTA Cymru awards, the St David Award for Enterprise, and was appointed MBE for his services to the video games industry. In 2020, he received an Honorary Doctorate of Technology from De Montfort University.

David is a qualified financial professional and technologist with experience in sectors such as power generation, ad-tech, medical devices, and defence/aerospace. As Investment Director at Deepbridge Capital, he supports the commercialisation and growth of portfolio companies, specialising in technology investments for early-stage companies across fintech, software, space tech, and quantum computing. Previously, he worked at the Development Bank of Wales’ Technology Venture Investments fund, focusing on the Welsh tech ecosystem. David is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and holds an MSc in Computing. He has been involved with the Blockchain Connected steering committee since September 2020 and works with clients across the UK.

David is a digital technology expert and advisor, currently serving on the boards of DVLA (Chair), Ofwat (Non-Executive), and CxB (Founder, Pro Bono). He has successfully exited two Cardiff-based technology start-ups: Travelink, where he was Founder and CEO, and TigerBay, where he was Investor and Chairman.

Glenn has over 30 years of experience in IT roles encompassing strategy, planning, implementation, operation, troubleshooting, and governance. An expert Enterprise and Solution Architect, Glenn specialises in designing and architecting cloud-based security monitoring platforms. He ensures the technical delivery of projects and programs, with extensive experience in network application performance monitoring for the Ministry of Defence and Central Government. He provides leadership to teams of Architects, SMEs, and Professional Services teams and is currently establishing a business unit to leverage AI in cyber, secure networks, application performance management, and IT Service Management solutions.

As the Head of Data Culture & Excellence and Founder of the successful Data Academy at Admiral Group, Hannah has over 10 years of experience in the data field, with credentials such as Chartered Mathematician (CMath) and Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO). Her core competencies include data fluency, data culture, learning, skill development, and strategic management and leadership.

Hannah’s passions are in uplifting Data Fluency, Culture and building diverse successful teams. She also advocates for females across Data and Tech and STEM subjects.

James is a Cardiff-based tech entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience. He began as a Senior Software Engineer at Dell, launching successful e-commerce platforms. As CTO of Adactus Limited, he developed major e-commerce systems for brands like Aviva and Pizza Hut.

Most recently, James was CEO and Co-Founder of DevOpsGroup Limited, growing it to serve over 100 global customers and achieving recognition as one of the Top 50 Fastest Growing Companies in Wales. The company was acquired by Sourced Group in 2021.

James now advises various tech start-ups, providing strategic guidance and growth support.

Julie currently serves as CEO of MicroLink Devices UK Ltd and joined the company in February 2022.  Julie has extensive knowledge in Technology Management and has a strong background in defence and military aircraft from her time working within the production and manufacturing areas at BAE Systems.  Previous roles have included leading the R&D programme for PHASA-35 solar-powered HALE aircraft and leading the acceptance and trading of Typhoon and Hawk aircraft into export customers in the Middle East.

Liz is Deloitte’s senior partner in Wales and lead partner for Consulting in Wales and South West.  Liz specialises in advising UK government and public sector organisations with their technology and digital enabled change programmes. Liz helps organisations to design, plan and deliver technology by enabling business leaders and executives to define a path to success against a backdrop of competing and complex priorities. She is an advocate for enabling career pathways for social diversity. Liz’s technical background is in IT programme management, programming and data architecture.

Louise has been at Innovate UK since September 2023, bringing a wealth of experience in driving innovation. Starting her career as a KTP associate in a Welsh SME, she later worked on projects funded by Innovate UK and the Welsh Government, aiding a catalytic converter manufacturing company in setting up a manufacturing plant. Her subsequent roles in collaborative industrial research projects, spanning universities and industry, expanded her network across Wales. Joining Innovate UK KTN in 2013, Louise’s expertise in areas like Photonics and Additive Manufacturing evolved to focus on energy systems and net zero challenges. Actively engaged with Welsh Government and various advisory panels, she led initiatives such as the Adoption and Diffusion pilot in North Wales. Louise recently co-created a Collaborative Innovation Plan for Wales with Welsh Government, aiming to enhance Innovate UK’s support and foster new opportunities for Welsh innovation.

A Senior Lecturer in Computing and the guiding force behind the MSc Artificial Intelligence course, is celebrated as the STEM Woman of the Year 2023. Mabrouka’s extensive expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning has been the cornerstone of interdisciplinary research. Her work, notably in mental health support and the development of intelligent technologies, showcases her innovative approach to applying AI to diverse sectors. Her leadership extends beyond academia; Her advocacy for seamless technology transfer is evident in her efforts to bridge gaps between public institutions and private enterprises, fostering partnerships that drive technological advancement and innovation.

Mark is a serial entrepreneur and award-winning Founder of de Novo Solutions, a digital technology company in South Wales. Specialising in Oracle Cloud and ServiceNow technologies, de Novo redefines back-office operations and was recognized in the Elite Business 100 Top SME businesses in 2024. Mark previously founded Certus Solutions, the UK&I’s first dedicated Oracle Cloud partner, later acquired by Accenture UK Ltd. He has extensive experience with UK Central Government agencies and promotes Welsh Government’s apprenticeship programs. Mark is a champion of SMEs, serving as a Business Angel Investor, Advisor, and Mentor.

Nia has been running her family business since 2002. She diversified the company’s portfolio from agro-electronics to include catering equipment, Hi-Fi, healthcare electronics, and expanded its automotive client base. Davlec innovates in Dairy Farming electronics, supplying products to UK-based firms and exporting globally.

In 2014, Nia acquired Leema Electro Acoustics, a high-end Hi-Fi company, and revitalised the brand, earning numerous awards and accolades. She also serves as Managing Director of Leema. Her expertise in the Hi-Fi industry led to her appointment as Director of Mitchell and Johnson Electronics, another British-owned Hi-Fi company, where she works on increasing market recognition.

Whilst working with entrepreneurial and innovative people in Wales and across the UK, especially in advanced manufacturing and technology businesses, Nicola’s focus is on working closely with clients to solve their problems and really understand how their businesses work.

Nicola has worked on secondment to the Royal Mint at Llantrisant, focusing on new business and intellectual property, but also for clients in a range of sectors on software outsourcing agreements, blockchain solutions and EMI schemes. Giving businesses the right legal infrastructure to enable them to develop and grow is important to Nicola and therefore Nicola has found her non-executive director role with Business in Focus, supporting Welsh businesses, fascinating.

Paul Evans has over 20 years’ experience working across consultancy, transformation, and strategic stakeholder engagement. He has been an integral part of the Box UK leadership team for over four years during which he has developed a deep understanding of, and contributed to, the company’s culture, operations, and growth. As CEO, Paul spearheads Box UK’s strategic initiatives and leads the organisation in achieving its goals. Previously of Accenture, KPMG and Sapiens, Evans has a proven track record in developing strategy, driving delivery, promoting innovation, and fostering strong client relationships.

Appointed Director South Wales for the High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult. HVM Catapult has established a new site in South Wales, which includes a digital factory hub to advance manufacturing technology innovation and support Wales’ green industrial transformation. It houses state-of-the-art equipment provided by the Welsh Government, including a SMART workbench, Virtual Reality welding rig, a Cobot and the latest 3D printing technologies.

Non-Executive Director for Global Nano Network, a company solving battery power density and cycle life issues with HyperFoil®, a high-power current collector that is form factor and chemistry agnostic. The company only uses sustainable materials and a 100% local supply-chain by working with global foil producers to provide cell manufacturers this critical component that will dramatically improve cell performance

Chair of the @SmartNanoNI consortium, which received £63.9m of funding to accelerate smart manufacturing and advanced prototyping in nano and photonics technologies.

As an ex Industrial executive and technical specialist, Rob has many years of experience gained from delivering complex systems of systems in the Telecommunications, Defence, Cyber and Security industries. 

He chairs the Industrial Advisory board at Cardiff University and is a board director of Technology Connected, helping to promote Technology, skills, and manufacturing in Wales.

Sally Meecham is an experienced digital leader and public speaker, renowned for her expertise in driving transformation across various sectors. She specialises in resetting programs for success, building diverse and skilled teams, and optimising organisational structures. With a focus on delivering successful programs and improving user experiences, Sally also excels in commercial strategies and promoting digital inclusion. She serves as a High Risk Assurance Reviewer at the Infrastructure and Projects Authority, Cabinet Office.

Voted among the UK’s Top 100 data influencers in 2021 and 2020, Sameer has a proven track record of driving business growth through data and digital transformation. With over 10 years of experience as a board-level executive, he has led numerous transformative programs, making businesses more agile and scalable. As an early adopter of AI and machine learning technologies, Sameer has helped companies disrupt their business models successfully. Additionally, he serves as a business advisor to tech startups and is an international author and speaker on predictive modelling. He is also a NED for Bath Building Society, the FAW and Glamorgan Cricket Club.

Scott graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 1999 with an honours degree in Electronic and Electrical Engineering, launching his career in the defence industry with Vickers Defence Systems. His extensive engineering journey has centred on Armoured Fighting Vehicles, encompassing design, development, test, production, fielding, and support. Scott’s roles have spanned various companies, including BAE Systems and General Dynamics Land Systems–UK, where he held positions of increasing responsibility, from Lethality Lead to Vice President and General Manager. Notably, he played pivotal roles in the integration of Bowman into Challenger 2 and the AJAX Programme, demonstrating his expertise in turret design and engineering leadership. His current role focuses on program execution, with AJAX being his primary focus.

Professor Tom Crick MBE is Professor of Digital Policy at Swansea University and Chief Scientific Adviser at the UK Government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport. His academic interests sit at the research-policy-practice interface, identifying and addressing domain problems with broad digital, data-driven and computational themes, and especially focusing on the impact on citizens, culture and the economy.

Tom has led the major science and technology curriculum reforms in Wales over the past 10+ years, and has recently driven the development of Swansea University’s civic mission strategy as Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor. He was an inaugural Commissioner of the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales from 2018-2022, as well as a member of the expert panel for the Welsh Government’s 2019 Review of Digital Innovation for the Economy and the Future of Work in Wales. Alongside his academic work, Tom has held non-executive and senior advisory roles with Welsh Water, Swansea Bay University Health Board, Industry Wales, British Science Association, Ofcom and Nesta, as well as being a Vice-President for BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT between 2017-2020.